UK asylum policy causes more violence and deaths, say rights groups

"The UK's policy to stop asylum seekers from crossing the Channel in small boats has led to an increase in violence, deaths and smuggler control, but has not deterred arrivals, according to a report by human rights organisations. The 176-page report from Humans for Rights Network, includes contributions from 17 refugee and human rights organisations operating in northern France and six in the UK."

"Despite the money spent by the UK government to prevent crossings, they remain at a high level. So far this year, more than 39,000 people have crossed the Channel in dinghies, which is an increase on last year's total of about 37,000 but not as high as the 2022 record of 46,000. The report calls for a statutory inquiry into the increase in deaths and violence, along with the establishment of safe routes."

UK policy to stop asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats has coincided with increased violence, deaths and greater smuggler control while arrivals remain high. French police have used rubber bullets and teargas after receiving hundreds of millions of pounds from the UK to secure the border. Testimonies from asylum seekers and medical professionals report harm to people attempting to reach the UK. More than 39,000 people have crossed in dinghies so far this year. Proposed actions include a statutory inquiry into rising deaths and violence, establishment of safe routes, and investigation into how UK funding affected smuggler power. In 2024 Human Rights Observers documented 28 violent police operations in northern France resulting in at least 44 arrests.

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